If you are reading this post, chances are you’re still very much a strong believer in minimalism, and have yet to drink from the maximalist Kool-Aid trough. Or if you have, it’s with extreme caution, and not in large mileage gulps. “Less shoe” is very much a key consideration for improved footstrike and body-ground spatial awareness. Less shoe means more information is going from foot to brain, and back. And while minimalism has had gotten a bad rap due to errant, overblown marketing hype by certain footwear companies, there are still plenty of good, sound choices when it comes to shoes that allow us to walk and run more naturally (unless, you prefer barefoot.) Our NRC shoe review expert Nick Pang offers these three smart choices for 2015. A full list can be found here: http://weartested.org/publications/2015-wear-tested-shoe-of-the-year/
Altra Running has many fans, and that means, it continues to refine its current line with further modifications, much to the contentment of its loyal customer base. The all-new Superior 2.0 is Altra’s most versatile and lightweight trail running shoe with more ground grip and less weight. What’s also new? They are: TrailClaw outsole upgrade (previously only on Lone Peak model), improved upper durability, and 6 mm of additional cushioning. http://weartested.org/rocking-altra-drop-superior-2
Lems is a small but growing player in the casual footwear market. The Primal 2 uses the same super soft microfiber and breathable air-mesh as its previous model, but with a striking white sole color. If you have never tried the Primal 2 before, it’s lightweight, flexible, breathable, foot-shaped, and flat – everything thing you should look for in a minimalist shoe. With Lems, the foot is allowed to spread out and behave as nature intended it to be. http://weartested.org/lems-shoes-primal-2-shade
Xero Shoes has just launched their new sports sandal model– the Amuri Z-Trek. The super-flexible, super lightweight Amuri Z-Trek features an adjustable heel strap and instep to handle any foot shape. Designed for road, trail running, hiking, or casual use, these packable sandals come with a 5,000 mile warranty. Which is nearly two Pacific Crest Trail thru hikes! http://weartested.org/xero-shoes-products-amuri-z-trek-cloudventure-lacing-system
Great info Bill and Nick! Thanks Dr. Mark for keeping healthy running info out there. Fantastic resource for runners!
Is 6 mm really minimal? Way too much shoe for me. Not much ground feel, I’m sure.
I agree – for a site that pushes natural running so much, I’m surprised with the support for shoes that have any cushioning muchless this much. What gives?
Mike thanks for comment. if one has strong foot and good mechanics then doing trail or road running in a shoe w anatomic fit and flat can be a great experience and healthy for the body. Altra shoes are loved by many of our customers and have yet to screw up someones large toe or add stress to the spine as a heel does. mix it up is a good idea.
Mark
I agree Mark, as much as I like running in Vibrams, a bit of ‘padding’ is nice when you have run 18miles on stone trails and your feet have a few bruises on them.